All posts by h716a5.icu

Manchester United were rocked by news of Luke Shaw's cruel injury blow just a few days ago.

As a result of that, the Red Devils could turn their attention to the transfer market in order to solve such a problem.

When will Luke Shaw return from injury?

The club fear that the left-back's injury blow is now worse than they originally thought.

Indeed, Shaw has suffered a muscular injury and according to Manchester Evening News, he could now be out for up to two months, meaning we may well not see him in action again until late October.

United initially suggested that the England international would miss just weeks of action, rather than months.

Who could replace Luke Shaw at Man United?

Erik ten Hag is currently without a senior left-back with Shaw's understudy, Tyrell Malacia also currently nursing an injury.

One idea could be to move Lisandro Martinez to a left-back berth but another option is to attack the transfer market before it closes on Friday evening.

According to Fabrizio Romano, one target is Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella.

The journalist took to social media on Saturday evening to say: "Manchester United made contact with Chelsea to ask about conditions of Marc Cucurella deal on potential loan — no bid or concrete talks yet."

How good is Marc Cucurella?

Sadly the answer is not very. The Spaniard burst onto the Premier League scene with Brighton where his electric displays down the left flank were captivating.

Indeed, during the 2021/22 campaign, Cucurella ranked inside the best 14% of left-backs in the Premier League for progressive carries and the top 12% of positionally similar players for progressive passes, as per FBref.

Only 10% of left-backs completed more passes and more passes into the final third than the now 25-year-old who was playing for Brighton at the time.

Fast forward to the current day and the 5 foot 8 full-back is now a "liability" at Chelsea, as reporter Josh Bunting put it.

The 2022/23 term saw Cucurella rank among the best 55% of full-backs for progressive carries and the top 39% for progressive carries. That is some regression and indicative of the woeful spell he has endured at Stamford Bridge.

Defensively he has been rather inept, ranking inside the best 74% for interceptions and best 77% for percentage of dribblers tackled.

Seemingly now error-stricken at the back and lacking in attacking capabilities, this would mark another poor deal for Ten Hag and co.

Only in January did they opt for the short-term option in Wout Weghorst and we all know how that went.

As Cristiano Ronaldo took his leave and Man United failed to find an adequate replacement, the Dutchman was brought in on a temporary basis.

However, after failing to score in all 17 of his Premier League appearances for the club, it's safe to say the move was a disaster.

United do need a left-back, that much is true, but a short-term option for a player as out of form and out of favour as Cucurella would do them no favours. Indeed, it could be another repeat of their Weghorst disaster.

The club's recruitment team are better off searching for alternatives here.

The umpires took the players off 19 minutes before scheduled stumps on day three because of concerns over their safety, but after a meeting between the match referee and the two captains, it has been decided to resume play as scheduled on day four

Sidharth Monga and Firdose Moonda in Johannesburg26-Jan-2018The Wanderers Test will continue as scheduled on day four. There was uncertainty over the future of the match when umpires took the players off 19 minutes before scheduled stumps on day three because of concerns over their safety on a spicy pitch. The pitch has had exaggerated bounce and seam right from the start of the match, but on day three various batsmen copped blows to their bodies against balls kicking up off a good length.The ball that finally prompted the umpires to halt play was one from Jasprit Bumrah that hit Dean Elgar in the grille of the helmet. The two captains then met the match referee. India made it clear they wanted to continue playing, and South Africa didn’t express a preference either way but said they would continue playing if the match referee deemed the pitch safe to play on.The match officials first had a conversation regarding the pitch with the teams during the tea break on day three, when it was expressed to the two managers that the new ball could behave dangerously. The decision to take players off was the umpires’. The match referee was then briefed, and he consulted both the captains.The protocol is to continue only if both the captains agree to play on. If the decision is not to play, then it is seen if the pitch can be repaired without – in the view of the match referee – disadvantaging any side. There will be no repairs on this pitch except for the customary light roller at the start of the day’s play. A light roller was used on the pitch on day three too.The ICC later sent out a statement via Twitter, confirming an on-time start on day four:”The on-field umpires, in consultation with the match referee, and after speaking with both the captains and groundsmen, have decided that the Johannesburg Test will resume on time on Saturday. The on-field umpires will continue to monitor the pitch, and consult the match referee should the pitch deteriorate further. The welfare of the players is paramount and two of the most experienced match officials are in charge of the game and will take appropriate decisions.”Play on Friday was suspended shortly before scheduled close because the on-field umpires wanted to consult the match referee regarding the condition of the pitch.”

Tottenham Hotspur are likely to sign a new star centre-forward before the summer transfer window slams shut in one week, having sold pre-eminent talisman Harry Kane to Bayern Munich for £100m this month.

New manager Ange Postecoglou has kicked things off impressively in the Premier League however, drawing away to Brentford before beating Manchester United 2-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Moves have been made this summer, with James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, Alejo Veliz, Manor Solomon and Guglielmo Vicario joining the club while Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro's loan moves have been made permanent, but a new talisman is still required.

What's the latest on Santiago Gimenez to Tottenham?

Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez has been on Tottenham's radar this summer – according to the player's agent, Morris Pagniello – with claims that the Lilywhites have met with the player's entourage and were ready to lodge a €40m (£34m) offer.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Pagniello stated that there is still time left on the market, and while the 22-year-old forward is contented with the Dutch champions, this could be one to keep an eye on as the window approaches the business end.

How good is Santiago Gimenez?

The Argentina-born Mexico international has been in fine fettle over in the Netherlands, having netted 28 goals across all competitions last term as Feyenoord gleaned the Dutch league title.

The 18-cap ace was described as "on fire" by talent scout Jacek Kulig earlier in 2023 as he fired in goals like a fusillade of missiles, and with such impressive goalscoring feats, he has arrested the attention of the Tottenham hierarchy.

Indeed, Gimenez ranks among the top 3% of forwards in the Men's 'Next Eight' divisions over the past year for goals, the top 5% for total shots and the top 1% for touches in the attacking area per 90, as per FBref.

Dirk Kuyt has certainly been coloured impressed by his performances, even going as far as to say that he is the "best" striker in the Netherlands.

He said:

“He’s back here in the middle of the defenders and he’s really fast,"

"Watching the keeper before he shoots, the rest. In my opinion, he is currently the best striker in the Eredivisie."

Gimenez is not completely similar to Kane in terms of style, giving that he serves as the quintessential focal frontman at the tip of the attack.

Kane, while one of the most frightening goalscorers in Europe – he scored 32 goals for the Lilywhites last term – is also one of the most creative attackers around, ranking among the top 10% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues for shot-creating actions and the top 4% for progressive passes per 90.

The latter metric indicates a tendency to drop deep and influence the play by placing passes through the thirds, splitting the line and allowing his box-crashing teammates to latch onto his ball.

Gimenez wouldn't offer that kind of threat, after all, he created only 0.6 key passes per game in the Eredivisie last year, but he would be able to provide the kind of cutting edge that would be shades of Kane.

And anyway, Maddison's arrival has signalled a newfound layer of supplementation from the centre, with the playmaker having already provided two assists this year, creating four key passes per game, so deploying a striker such as Gimenez could prove to be a resounding success.

Postecoglou must make sure Kane is replaced over the next week, and while that is certainly a tall order, Gimenez's prolificness could at least ease that burden in N17.

Though the ECB had picked the allrounder in the squad, the board had said the selection was dependent on the conclusion of the police investigation into the incident outside a club in Bristol

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Dec-2017Allrounder Ben Stokes has been withdrawn from England’s ODI squad for the series in Australia, and batsman Dawid Malan was named his replacement.Stokes is still waiting to hear if he will be charged by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for his role in an incident outside a club in Bristol, and although England had picked him in their ODI squad in the first week of December, the ECB said his selection was dependent on the outcome of the police investigation.”Ben Stokes will not travel with the group of players leaving the UK on 2 January, pending CPS advice on the incident in Bristol in September,” the ECB said. “Should ECB receive formal confirmation that he has either, a) been charged or, b) will face no charges, the ECB Board would convene within 48 hours to make a decision on his availability to represent England at that stage.”The incident – which also involved England batsman Alex Hales, who was not charged by police and therefore cleared for ODI selection – cost Stokes his place in the side for the last two ODIs against West Indies at the end of the English summer, and the ongoing Ashes in Australia. There has been no update on whether Stokes will be charged or not since.Stokes was arrested in September on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm then released on bail. Avon and Somerset police completed their investigation into the incident in November and passed a file on to the CPS for advice on whether he should be charged. The police also confirmed that a 27-year-old man suffered a fractured eye socket in the incident, which occurred outside the Mbargo nightclub in the Clifton area of Bristol in the early hours of the morning after England’s one-day international against West Indies on September 25.Stokes returned to competitive action by playing for Canterbury in the domestic one-day and T20 competitions in New Zealand in December, for which he was granted a no-objection certificate by the ECB.His involvement, or otherwise, with England has overshadowed much of the winter. Having been initially named in the Ashes squad a few days after his arrest, footage was released by a newspaper appearing to show Stokes throwing a series of punches at a man in the street. England subsequently said he would not be considered for selection until investigations were complete.Both Stokes and Hales will have to face an ECB disciplinary hearing, whether or not the police press charges. The ECB’s chief executive, Tom Harrison, recently suggested it could take six months to a year to resolve the situation if Stokes is charged, although he added that the board would not prevent him from playing in competitions such as the IPL in the meantime, while he is out of the England set-up.Without Stokes, England have faced difficulty balancing their Test side and relinquished the Ashes after falling 3-0 behind in Perth – although they did end their run of defeats in Australia by having the better of a drawn Boxing Day Test.Malan has been one of England’s better-performing players during the Ashes, making his maiden Test hundred at the WACA. He has yet to be capped in 50-over cricket but impressed on T20 debut during the summer, when he was Man of the Match against South Africa. His call-up in place of Stokes is expected to be confirmed in the next 24 hours.The ODI series begins in Melbourne on January 14, after which England and Australia will play a T20I tri-series involving New Zealand. England will then embark on their tour of New Zealand, taking in another five ODIs and two Tests.

Manchester United are still extremely active in the transfer market with just over two weeks remaining to secure new additions, and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of a defensive target.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

According to Sky Sports News, Manchester United are ready to accelerate a move to sign a new defender.

The man in question is Bayern Munich centre-back Benjamin Pavard. A deal could indeed gather pace if Harry Maguire departs before the transfer window shuts.

Sky Sports revealed on their live transfer centre:

'If Maguire does leave, United are ready to accelerate talks with Bayern Munich for Benjamin Pavard. Initial contact has been made between the clubs, but there has been no formal offer yet.

'Pavard has entered the final year of his contract with the German champions and is understood to want the move.'

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

It was also noted by the Daily Mail this week that the player is pushing for the move, with the Bundesliga giants expecting at least £26m to part ways with their player.

Why do Man United need to sign Pavard?

Despite taking all three points from their opening clash with Wolves at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag will be less than impressed with the performance his squad put on in the Premier League.

Gary O'Neill's side dominated their opponents on their visit to the North West, with more shots on goal (23), shots on target (6), counter-attacks (2), duels won (76) and dribbles completed (71%), as well as winning more tackles and interceptions (41), according to SofaScore.

Wolves failed to find the back of the net but had no problems cutting through the Reds Devils midfield and defence with ease which meant they had far more opportunities in front of goal than they should have in front of the Man United home support.

As a result, the signing of Pavard – once hailed a "team player" by Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel – could not come at a better time for Ten Hag as the Dutch coach will be keen for his team to improve their retention of the ball and defensive dominance.

The World Cup-winning Frenchman is one of the most effective ball-playing centre-backs across the top five European leagues – ranking in the top 10% of his positional peers for tackles, touches, progressive carries, progressive passes, shot-creating actions and shots on goal per 90 minutes player, as per FBref.

When comparing Pavard's output to Maguire's over last season, the Bundesliga ace comfortably outperformed his position competitor in a number of key attributes including pass completion (88.3% v 85.1%) and aerial duels won (66% v 53.2%), as well as averaging more tackles (2.37 v 1.13), interceptions (1.55 v 1.13), blocks (1.33 v 1.32) and progressive passes (7.48 v 3.11) per 90.

With that being said, it would be a great opportunity to strengthen the back-line if Man United could agree a deal with Bayern this summer.

Indeed, on the evidence of their opener with Wolves, a solid defender is needed and in Pavard they could find a real asset to potentially replace Maguire.

After being adjudged lbw Dilruwan turned around and began walking back towards the dressing room, only to turn around and ask for a review, and the decision was overturned after replays suggested the ball had hit him outside the line of off stump

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Nov-20171:01

Not fair for us to comment on Dilruwan episode – Bhuvneshwar

Dilruwan Perera, the Sri Lanka allrounder, survived an lbw decision after an unusual route to taking the assistance of the Decision Review System (DRS). At the time of the incident, Dilruwan was batting on 0 off 7 balls. He went on to play out a further 27 balls, and add 43 for the eighth wicket with Rangana Herath.What the DRS protocol says

The captain may consult with the bowler and other fielders, and the two batsmen may consult with each other prior to deciding whether to request a Player Review. Under no circumstances is any player permitted to query an umpire about any aspect of a decision before deciding on whether or not to request a Player Review. If the on-field umpires believe that the captain or either batsman has received direct or indirect input emanating other than from the players on the field, then they may at their discretion decline the request for a Player Review. In particular, signals from the dressing room must not be given.

In the 57th over of Sri Lanka’s innings, Nigel Llong upheld an lbw appeal from Mohammed Shami when an indipper beat Dilruwan’s forward defensive and hit him on the back pad. Dilruwan turned around and began walking back towards the dressing room, only to turn around and ask for a review.With replays suggesting the ball had struck Dilruwan’s pad outside the line of off stump, Llong had to change his decision to not out.It was not clear what prompted Dilruwan to change his mind, but the TV commentators speculated over whether he had received some sort of signal from the dressing room to turn back and ask for a review.The SLC sent out a release after the day’s play, stating that: “Contrary to the assumptions made, there was no ‘message from the dressing room’ involved in the requested review.”Having mistakenly assumed that Sri Lanka were out of reviews, Dilruwan Perera had turned to leave the field when he heard Rangana Herath inquire from the on-field umpire Nigel Llong if Sri Lanka have any reviews left, to which Mr Llong answered in the affirmative.”It was then that Dilruwan requested the review.”In his post-match press conference, the India fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar did not want to make an issue of the incident.”That’s something I can’t speak on, because that should come out from the officials, and we haven’t heard anything from the officials,” he said. “So it won’t be fair to comment anything on that.”Pressed further, he said the players had not really been looking at Dilruwan when he turned around to review. “We are quiet because until there is an official word about the incident, we cannot speak about it. If we talk about it, but match referee says that was fair, then it would be the wrong thing to do.”We didn’t pay attention to the incident. We were busy celebrating, giving high-fives, and later we watched that on the [giant screen], but we didn’t comment on it because nothing was confirmed from the match officials. So we cannot say anything.”The incident recalled a similar one from Sri Lanka’s recent Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. In Sri Lanka’s second innings there, Kusal Mendis was walking back towards the dressing room after Richard Kettleborough gave him out lbw to Mohammad Abbas, when he turned around and asked for a review. In that instance, the review was unsuccessful, returning an umpire’s call verdict. Llong, incidentally, was the other on-field umpire there.In the Bengaluru Test earlier this year, umpires stopped Australia’s Steven Smith from reviewing an lbw decision against him after he was seen seeking advice from the Australian dressing room. Llong, again, was the umpire who had given him out off Umesh Yadav.In that instance, Smith admitted he had sought help from the dressing room, calling it a brain fade. Virat Kohli, India’s captain, alleged that Australia had done this on at least three occasions during the match, and the BCCI backed him, filing a complaint with the ICC asking for a further investigation. The BCCI, however, withdrew its complaint hours later, after the ICC, having reviewed video footage from the Test match, spoke to the CEOs of both boards, impressing upon them that the charge was near-impossible to prove.

Wolverhampton Wanderers could be 'under pressure' to sell one of their most experienced assets as their frustrating transfer window rolls on at Molineux, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Wolverhampton Wanderers?

The Old Gold have already sold off several key first-team players this summer due to Financial Fair Play restrictions imposed at Molineux, including the likes of Ruben Neves, Conor Coady, Nathan Collins and Raul Jimenez, as per Transfermarkt.

According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, Portugal international Daniel Podence may be another casualty this window and is being courted by Scottish Premiership champions Celtic in a deal that could cost £12 million.

Gabon international Mario Lemina is garnering attention from Premier League giants Liverpool alongside Saudi Arabian clubs and it is believed that a departure for the 29-year-old cannot be ruled out before the close of play in the market, as per Foot Mercato.

TEAMtalk understand that Wolves are exploring a move for Nice goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel in the event that experienced stopper Jose Sa leaves the club this summer.

Sa may be sold on to 'balance the books' at Molineux and Schmeichel is being eyed up as a 'ready-made replacement' to come in and provide stability as O'Neil's last line of defence.

Nice Matin via Sport Witness report that Chelsea are also keen on making a surprise move for the Denmark international to provide competition for Robert Sanchez at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Jones believes that Wolves could be 'under pressure' to sell £25k-a-week earner Sa due to their financial situation.

Jones stated: "The Schmeichel transfer only makes sense, obviously, if Jose Sa leaves. While I'd not imagine that's something they ideally want to entertain, we know they are under pressure to sell.

"There have been a couple of formal enquiries about taking him, so it's not impossible it could come through."

What now for Wolverhampton Wanderers?

Wolves have been linked to several players this summer as the Old Gold look to add to their squad pool before the window closes. Republic of Ireland international Matt Doherty and backup goalkeeper Tom King have been the only new arrivals at Molineux so far, both joining on free transfers.

Journalist Rudy Galetti recently told GIVEMESPORT that Wolves are keen on doing a double deal for Stuttgart defender Konstantinos Mavropanos and West Ham United striker Michail Antonio.

TEAMtalk back up the notion that Wolves are looking to bring Antonio to Molineux and claim that West Ham would be open to selling the Jamaica international if they can identify a suitable replacement to take his place at the London Stadium.

The same outlet also claim that Wolves are keen to try and prize Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill away from Turf Moor; however, Crystal Palace, Everton, Leeds United, Leicester City and Middlesbrough are all in the race to snap up the 27-year-old.

Brownhill has just one year left on his deal at Burnley and Vincent Kompany is conscious of the prospect of losing the Warrington-born ace on a free transfer.

SLC, however, believes it can have a conversation with the players and convince them to tour the country

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Oct-2017Sri Lanka’s players have indicated strong reluctance to travel to Lahore for the third T20I against Pakistan, by signing a letter that requests the match be moved to a neutral venue. SLC officials, however, are likely to attempt to convince the players to tour. The board will discuss the issue further at its executive committee meeting on Monday.Though the players have not definitively ruled out traveling to Lahore, the mood in the dressing room is one of firm objection. “I don’t think the players will change their stance,” a cricketer, who was among the 40 contracted players who signed the letter, said. Not only were Suranga Lakmal and Chamara Kapugedera physically present on the bus that was attacked in Lahore in 2009, the other players are aware of the trauma suffered by those on board. The current players also believe the 2009 team suffered a singular attack in the world of sport, and are unwilling to be among the first teams to return to Pakistan.SLC CEO Ashley de Silva said player security remained the board’s primary concern, and that “a decision will be made at the ex-co meeting taking into account all the security information”. But other officials, such as president Thilanga Sumathipala, appear very keen on the team traveling to Pakistan. The board is expected to make an appeal to the players over the next few days. The country’s sports ministry is also keen to send a team.Both parties have tread softly so far, out of a desire not to incense the other: the players have stopped short of issuing a categorical refusal; the board has at no stage indicated there would be punishments for players who decline to travel.But for the other major party in the equation – the PCB – a refusal from Sri Lanka’s main players would amount to a setback, given the progress they had recently made in bringing back international cricket to the country. SLC officials were quick to point out that not only have Sri Lanka’s players been promised the same level of security afforded to the World XI team in September, but that the ICC was also content to now send its match officials to Pakistan.If the majority of players are unconvinced by SLC’s overtures, however, the board may consider sending a second-string team comprised of those who are willing to travel. Thisara Perera, who played in the World XI series, is understood to be favourable towards traveling to Lahore again.The chances of a full-strength Sri Lanka team playing in Lahore, however, have diminished with the signing of this letter. For the administrators of both boards, who had all spoken with optimism about this match going ahead, that is something of a problem.

Journalist Simon Jones has delivered a promising update on Tottenham Hotspur and their pursuit of Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson.

Who will Spurs sign next?

Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou has received some backing by chairman Daniel Levy, undoubtedly, as the north London club seal deals for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, young centre-back Ashley Phillips, defender Micky van de Ven, playmaker James Maddison, winger Manor Solomon and striker Alejo Veliz.

The new league season is upon Tottenham supporters, who may be eager to witness more of Spurs' new-look, attacking style, as implemented by Postecoglou in pre-season.

Spurs already appear to be adopting a more expansive and entertaining brand of football, especially when compared to more dogmatic previous managers like Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo.

Postecoglou, though is especially eager to see more signings come through the door and has dropped multiple hints that a new centre-back is on the agenda.

“It's not done yet," said Postecoglou last weekend.

"We need bolstering in that central defensive area. We need defenders who can work in an aggressive formation, defend well & behind them. We'll be looking to bring in a couple in that area in the coming days."

While he later backtracked on that message in midweek, saying a new centre-back signing will depend on outgoings, the desire for more transfers is certainly present.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Tottenham have also been linked with a new midfielder, if Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg departs, and a possible addition further forward.

Johnson, who starred under Forest boss Steve Cooper last season as they dodged relegation to The Championship, is apparently a target for the wide area.

A lot of his pull is reportedly centered around the fact he is homegrown, and would succeed Harry Kane in that regard if the Englishman does in fact depart for Bayern Munich.

The 22-year-old, though, could cost Tottenham in the region of £50 million according to some reliable media sources.

Now, according to The Daily Mail and their reporter Jones, a promising update has come to light on Spurs and their possible move for Johnson.

Indeed, as per their information, the Lilywhites have seemingly entered pole position to sign the Wales international over the likes of Brentford.

The Mail and Jones expand on this by saying Tottenham are "considered favourites" for Johnson, and while nothing is added beyond that, it would appear Postecoglou's side are in the driving seat.

How good is Brennan Johnson?

Johnson racked up eight goals and three assists in the top flight last season, all while featuring among Forest's top two for attempts at goal and key passes made per 90 (WhoScored).

Cooper, speaking to the press last season, was effusive in his praise for the attacking ace.

“He’s a fantastic player, we know he’s got qualities and is a great finisher." said Cooper.

Meanwhile, pundit and Man United legend Roy Keane heralded Johnson's form ahead of an FA Cup clash with Arsenal in early January 2022.

"No doubt a lot of teams are looking at him and we'll see if Forest can hold on to him," said Keane on ITV (via Nottinghamshire Live)

"It will be interested to see what he's like against a tricky team. He's got a bit of pace and he's tricky.

"He's got an assist in him and he's really talented. Sometimes you need to go out on loan."

Ishan Kishan and Aniket Choudhary were left out of the squad that levelled the two-match series in South Africa last month

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Sep-2017Rishabh Pant has been picked in India A’s 14-man squad and Karun Nair named captain for the two four-day games against New Zealand A starting September 23 in Vijayawada. Pant replaces his former India Under-19 team-mate Ishan Kishan, who kept wicket in the two four-day games in South Africa, which India A levelled, last month.Priyank Panchal, the Gujarat opener and the previous Ranji Trophy season’s highest run-scorer, returned to the side after missing the tour of South Africa because of dengue. Vijay Shankar, the Tamil Nadu allrounder, picked in Panchal’s place for that tour, was left out.Panchal made back-to-back centuries in the Duleep Trophy opener, and is likely to open the batting with R Samarth, the only other specialist opener in the squad. Abhinav Mukund, who was initially picked for the South Africa tour, only to miss out after being called up for the Test tour of Sri Lanka, has been left out.K Gowtham, the Karnataka offspinner, drafted in as a late replacement for Jayant Yadav, who missed the four-day games in South Africa because of his father’s death, retained his place. Gowtham was India A’s second-highest wicket-taker (seven) in two matches, behind Shahbaz Nadeem (11).The selectors also pruned the squad from 15 to 14, leaving out left-arm fast bowler Aniket Choudhary. Shardul Thakur, left out of the ODI squad for the first three matches against Australia, is likely to speahead the pace attack.The first game will clash with the Duleep Trophy final, scheduled from September 25 to 29 in Lucknow. It is likely that a majority of the India A players could miss that game.The Duleep Trophy, originally scrapped from the 2017-18 domestic calendar, was a last-minute addition to the domestic calendar following a letter from Sourav Ganguly, head of BCCI’s technical committee, to the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators.India A Squad for two four-day games: Priyank Panchal, R Samarth, Sudip Chatterjee, Shreyas Iyer, Ankit Bawne, Karun Nair (capt), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wk), Shahbaz Nadeem, K Gowtham, Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Ankit Rajpoot